'Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World' by David Jeremiah

David Jeremiah's newest book, 'Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World' was encouraging to me before it was anything else. And while I don't always read books that deal with End Times' issues, his book is very timely. He stresses where Christians should find their strength, and puts emphasis on the fact that believers don't need to be side-tracked by the media, but have their focus on the Lord and His Word. And while that sounds easy enough, it’s clear that Jeremiah realizes that those who follow Christ will falter just like everyone else.

His advice to other Christians is to stand strong and not give up. And that even though life might prove exceedingly difficult, we haven't been forgotten. That in itself bears repeating, since chaos does seem to be the norm in the world, even though the Lord never changes.

The bottom line? We should continue to be about out Father’s business no matter what our circumstances.

I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's blogger book review program and more information can be found at their website.

Needing a day at the park

I was watching one of those home shows on t.v. tonight, the one where a couple look at 3 properties (or it seems like they only see 3 of them) and at the end of the show, they choose their favorite to buy. The words out of their mouths all the time are: "I like" and "I want" and "I could use that" and "I would enjoy working in this kitchen"....and phrases full of more of the same.

After watching it, I began to wonder what I'd like, and not necessarily in terms of buying a new house, but just for an average day. And then, as a wife and mother whose life is overfull, I realized that my wants rarely enter into the discussion. It's more of what will please my husband, how much toilet paper we currently have in the house along with soap, milk, bread, and peanut butter, and whether the needs of our children are being met. As you can see, I boil it down to the very basics. To be concerned about what the world deems important oftentimes seems shallow. Whether a couple has a double sink in the master bathroom (which leads you to imagine more than one bath....which would be a novelty in our home!) is a bit of a minor consideration as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand, I do realize that many wives work as well as their husbands, and need to get ready alongside of them in the morning. Still, a second bath would be a treat. :)

Not sure if folks are over-interested in pleasing themselves, or if I am sorely lacking in the ability and opportunity to suit myself. An interesting mix of thoughts to mull over, let me tell you.

In all honestly, I'm just glad to make it through another day, trimmings aside---to have everyone present and accounted for, and to have the will and energy to repeat the process when I wake up in the morning. Might sound strange, but it's just the way my mind works. To be occupied about inconsequential details just seems frivolous. But, then again, this post itself proves my desperate need for foolishness.

Yumminess

It's almost midnight and Gary and I got back about 30 minutes ago from buying 2 dozen doughnuts. A place near us has a sale every night after 11pm with the doughnuts at $2.50/dozen. 'Course the choice is heavy on pink frosting and sprinkles and lots of chocolate covered ones at that late hour, but who's going to fuss at such richness for our Sunday morning breakfast at such a dishy price!?? Not me!

I'm trying to learn to be spontaneous, and this definitely qualifies under that category. Life's all about making memories anyway, isn't it?

Now off to take a shower and snuggle down. My head still feels a bit strange with the last of the migraine symptoms wearing away, but it's been a good day. Have taken it easy, and was able to go to church to boot. Now must stop moving and go to bed.

Forced rest

Must've been cutting it a bit close, here lately. This morning when I was sitting with the kids doing school, my left eye began to go wonky. I was looking at one of our boys, then all of a sudden part of his face was missing. Those strange blind spots. I knew that what was to follow was one of my classic migraines. One son got me some medicine and then they sent me to bed. Sparkly zig-zags came when my eyes were closed and shortly after that, the headache on the right side. Fortunately I've been through this often enough that I know what to expect.

A short nap and I was fine. My brain felt bruised the rest of the day, though. But for forced rest, I can't complain. Should've known that my mind has been in a whirl lately, and it was only a matter of time before it caught up with me.

Sorta nice to have a slow 'rest of the day'. Planning on a draggy weekend as well. It's like being sick without really being sick.

About Halloween and such

We don't celebrate Halloween at our house, but I remember it happily as a child. When we had our own kids, we laid down some rules---one being that we'd not do Halloween.

October 31st used to be a blast, though. Those plastic masks with the elastic string around the back of your head, and those sweet nylon costumes that tied around your neck and back---all good memories. Plus, oftentimes having to wear sweaters under the costume (which we all hated) since sometimes we'd get a cold snap come Halloween night. Sadly enough, folks began doing wicked things with the holiday by putting dangerous things in kids' bags, plus I admit the church community has been lavish with their criticism of pagan holidays. I've been part of that movement, too, but not so much anymore. Guess I've mellowed.

But considering that I know folks who follow up the avoidance of worldly customs---even going so far as to not putting up Christmas trees or allowing Santas to be part of their decorations, I think they're missing out on some fun. And while we do celebrate the true meaning of our Lord's birthday and resurrection, the trimmings of stockings on Christmas Eve and baskets filled for Easter morning are also part of our ritual.

As to Halloween, we spend it celebrating our middle daughter's birthday, and carve a pumpkin with her name on it. With a lit candle nestled inside, our table decorations take a festive air. Then we pull down the shades, turn off the outside lights and focus on her. No candy for children at the door, and all attention is on our girl. For us, it works.

I'm not so determined to be right anymore regarding certain issues. It's not as important to me to be thought of as a hardline Christian. I do enjoy Harry P*tter movies, Twilight, and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Doesn't make me any less saved, but is a more honest portrayal of who I am. Just goes to show that a believer doesn't have to fake their interests in order to be true. It's all a bit more complicated than that.

On not following the crowd

Not sure is this is a new trend we're being exposed to, but will share it and see what you all say. Oldest daughter has gotten involved in a new Sunday School class of 20-somethings. She'd already been going to a college-aged gathering, and wanted to see what the other class had to offer. What's bugging her is that alcohol is being served at church get-togethers, though not ones that are held on the church grounds. Not sure if these are church sanctioned functions, or just ones that the same young people are going to. But still.

She just got an invitation to carve pumpkins with the group and they were encouraged to bring their own beer and 'drink responsibly'. Huh? I don't know about you, but my history at church-related get-togethers was that we drank soda and iced tea. Lemonade was an added treat.

Plus I'm seeing many online photos of young folks I know and they seem determined for others to see them being 'grown-up' and drinking. They're holding out the beer bottle, or swirling the mixed drink, and seem drawn to sharing what exactly they're guzzling down.

I'm disappointed. Alcohol doesn't make a person an adult, and the bragging about it spells out just the opposite. Sad that it's become a more common trend than when I was in school. I'm just glad that our daughter has a good head on her shoulders, but it does cut the playing field down a bit for places/people she wants to spend time with. I'm thinking she's acting like the 'real' grown-up.

Just ordinary stuff

My life is sadly routine lately. But I'm not complaining, I don't think. Wouldn't mind a bit of a stir, though. Least the house is clean. :)

Took the kids out to a local church that has a heap of pumpkins, a family tradition, and the 3 youngest got to pick out pumpkins for themselves. Then had errands to run---returning movies, etc. In a bit, I'm going out to find some herbal cure for my husband's rough cough. He's not healed well from the cold we all had recently, and his cough just won't let up. With the FDA being so stinky cheese about what workers in natural supplement stores can actually help you with, it pays to do research beforehand. We've had good luck with marshmallow, slipper elm, mullein tincture (which I keep on hand) and fenugreek, and just need to decide which to get. Things get pricey pretty fast, so will decide before I go which I'll actually buy. All this stuff I've mentioned is great for loosening up a cough, but with his not being bronchitis-like as I tend to get, I need to focus on what his actually needs are first.

Then it's home for a nap for me. Rest is good.